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The return of Steve Harmison to the Test squad for Edgbaston is a sign of desperation by the England camp, says South Africa coach Mickey Arthur.

England trail 1-0 in the series, and Arthur is in no doubt why pace bowler Harmison is back in the reckoning.

He said: "I don't know what England's plans are. If they were planning down the line for the Ashes, they would probably be going with the young pack.

"If they are desperate, they might go back to a quick fix."

England admitted their plans were "confused" during the 10-wicket defeat at Headingley and Arthur is waiting to see how a Harmison recall would affect the balance of their line-up.

After taking 5-23 in the first Ashes Test in July 2005, Harmison went 26 Tests with only two further five-wicket hauls, both in the 2006 Old Trafford Test against Pakistan.

He was finally dropped after the first Test against New Zealand in Hamilton at the start of this year, and has missed the last seven Tests.

His record against South Africa (18 wickets at an average of 59.5) and Edgbaston (five wickets at 68.20) also inspire little confidence.

Edgbaston groundsman Steve Rouse said conditions for Wednesday's Test would not suit the extra pace and bounce that Harmison can find.

Rouse told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't think whacking it in half way down here will do you any good. It's always been a 'kiss the turf and get it to swing' wicket.

"If you whack it in short it will just stand up."

The recall of Harmison, named in a squad of 13 by England, who dropped the surprise Headingley debutant Darren Pattinson, was fiercely condemned by former England captain Mike Atherton.

Writing in The Times, Atherton said: "His selection is as uninspiring as his recent record in international cricket and his attitude.

"Surely, it sends a terrible message: that it does not matter if, time and again, you do not so much cherish and nurture your talent as abuse it; and that it does not matter if, time and again, you turn up unprepared, there will always be another chance."

Harmison defended his selection, telling Radio 5 Live: "It's good to get the recognition for the hard work.

"I still feel I'm the same bowler as before, but things are clicking a lot better and that's come with bowling.